Accommodation
Hillgoers Recommended Accommodation
We are pleased to recommend the following places to stay before, during or after your trip with Hillgoers. We know you will be well looked after and the standard of accommodation on offer is excellent! They offer a perfect service for walkers, from individuals to large groups, from fully serviced luxury accommodation to self catering in stunning locations. Please mention at the time of booking that you will be walking with us.
Braemar
Braemar is a wonderful village at the eastern gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. It is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, beautiful glens and ancient pine forests. Braemar is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, has a thriving arts and music scene and retains its rich cultural heritage.
Braemar Caravan Park
Catering for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, they also have six new Camping Pods. Braemar Caravan Park and Camping Pods are the perfect base for walking, hiking, cycling, photography, snowsports, history, arts and crafts and much more.
Braemar Caravan Park is operated by Invercauld Estate, the custodians of over 200 square miles of spectacular landscapes within the Cairngorms National Park, managed for wildlife, sport, recreation and community. The Estate hosts Scotland’s highest 18 hole golf course at Braemar as well as the Glenshee Ski Centre which can offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the UK. The Estate also provides salmon fishing as well, of course, as mile upon mile of glorious walks.
The Fife Arms
The Fife Arms is a Victorian coaching inn that has been imaginatively restored. Driven by Iwan and Manuela Wirth’s wish to create a truly exceptional hotel, The Fife Arms is a celebration of craftsmanship which has brought together architects, designers and artists, many of whom have strong links to Scotland. The interiors by Russell Sage feature a thoughtful collection of historic objects, whimsical curios, artwork and artefacts, as well as newly commissioned contemporary works. A strong Scottish narrative, often local to Braemar itself, runs throughout the entire hotel making it a repository of stories and anecdotes.
Offering accommodation across 46 sumptuous bedrooms, every room is dedicated to a local place, person, event or theme which have all been meticulously researched and dressed to tell these local stories and share them with guests.
The hotel also has a public bar called The Flying Stag, a restaurant called The Clunie Dining Room, cocktail bar, drawing room and more for guests to enjoy.
Cranford Guest House Braemar
Sarah and Alastair welcome you to Cranford, a relaxing and comfortable home in the heart of the stunning Cairngorms National Park. They offer bed and breakfast accommodation, all year, in five stylish en-suite rooms.
Alastair is a keen mountaineer and particularly enjoys hill running, mountain biking and ski touring. He has been a member of Braemar Mountain Rescue Team, a retained fire-fighter and community first responder for 20 years.
Sarah prefers her past-times to be a bit less frenetic; she enjoys hillwalking, skiing and has a particular interest in local plants and wildlife. She also loves to bake and you will be treated to the Cake of the Day upon your arrival!
Located in the picturesque village of Braemar, Cranford is just 15km from Balmoral Castle, 10 minutes from Glenshee Ski Centre and close to the start of the Whisky Trail. There are lots of great walks straight from the doorstep. The area is superb for wildlife watching. Red squirrels are usually seen in our garden daily and red deer are often seen grazing nearby.
They also have a detached self catering cottage which sleeps two in a double bedroom and features a cosy woodburning stove in the lounge, a spacious kitchen/diner and an enclosed garden.
Pets are welcome.
Ballater
Ballater is a vibrant village, located within the Cairngorms national park. Visitors to this picturesque Victorian village can enjoy a range of accommodation, many good cafes, restaurants and takeaways, excellent shopping and great links to outdoor adventure, including hiking, climbing and skiing.
Ballater Hostel
Ballater Hostel (formerly Habitat @Ballater) is a 25 bed (sleeps 28) five star self-catering hostel situated in the centre of Ballater, near Balmoral, on the east side of the Cairngorms National Park.
The Hostel is owned and run by Dominique & Daniel, who took over the hostel in August 2016. They have both traditional dorm and private rooms, along with a large open plan kitchen / dining / communal area with wood burning stove. A drying room and cycle storage is also available. You can book the whole hostel, a room or just a bed, with no minimum stay.
Excellent facilities, comfortable beds and a warm and friendly welcome awaits you – the kettle is always on!
No 45 Guest House
Relax in the tranquil surroundings of Royal Deeside with a stay at No 45, where you’ll enjoy comfortable beds, delicious breakfasts and true Scottish Hospitality! They are a family run guest house peacefully situated in Ballater, in the heart of Royal Deeside in Scotland. Guests can relax in their comfortable lounges, and enjoy a log fire in the cooler months or sit in their beautiful south facing walled garden in the summer.
No.45 is a stunning Victorian granite house originally built in 1890, set in an acre of walled gardens at the end of a private drive. With Craigendarroch Hill to the front, the 'Old Line' (a popular and picturesque walk) to the rear and the shops and cafés of Ballater just a five minute stroll away, it is ideally located.
No.45 has many original features including a pitch pine staircase and open fires. The house is furnished in Scottish style with tartan carpets, leather sofas and a stag's head. The eight bedrooms are each decorated in individual styles with modern en-suite bathrooms, televisions, tea trays and hair-dryers. Wi-fi is available free of charge. They also have a cosy cabin available if you prefer self catering.
During the summer months breakfast is served in the conservatory looking out over the walled garden where you can often see red squirrels in the copper beech trees. The gardens back onto one of the most popular walks in the area and a two minute stroll will take you through the woods and on to the lovely River Dee.
Balmoral Arms
The newly launched five-star inn, Balmoral Arms sits in the heart of the Victorian village of Ballater, Royal Deeside, Scotland.
A place where nature, heritage and style come together, featuring luxurious rooms and suites, our five-star inn in Ballater has had a royal five-star upgrade featuring locally inspired cuisine in our restaurant.
Pay a visit to the Balmoral Arms (formerly Deeside Inn), and find the Scottish accommodation of the Royal Family at Balmoral Castle. Discover the River Dee, while admiring the iconic wildlife from soaring eagles and red squirrels to Scottish wildcats.
Explore everything Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms National Park has to offer.
ballater caravan park
Ballater Caravan Park caters for touring caravans, motorhomes and camping. It offers a range of facilities and there are many more to be found within walking distance. The town centre is just half a mile away and the golf course even nearer! It is an excellent base for exploring the Cairngorms National Park.
Aboyne
The charming village of Aboyne with its mountainous landscapes and heath clad moors has a lot to offer visitors. Great walking is available from the village and the Cairngorm mountains are a short drive away for hikers and those who enjoy winter sports. The nearby Deeside Activity Park, golf courses and estates are popular with outdoor adventurers. There are also a wide range of excellent eateries, shops and accommodation to suit all travellers.
The Boat Inn
Nestling on the banks of the River Dee, the Boat Inn is the perfect place from which to explore the delights of Royal Deeside. Freshly prepared, locally sourced dishes can be taken overlooking the river in front of a roaring log fire or outside on the terrace and washed down with a fantastic selection of local ales and spirits. The Pine Loft is available for private parties and they offer 8 beautiful ensuite rooms many of which overlook the river.
The lower Dess Estate
The estate lies in Royal Deeside on the north side of the river Dee with uninterrupted views over the valley to the Forest of Birse. The estate enjoys a very private and secluded position in a totally unspoilt rural setting and yet is close to Aberdeen.
They offer two luxury accommodation options:
The Mill of Dess Lodge - A truly luxurious 10 double bedroom, 10 ensuite bathroom Lodge which offers top-end accommodation for guests. The Lodge is fully staffed and rooms can be booked individually.
Mill Cottage - Immediately adjacent to the river bank, this stone cottage sleeps four people in two twin bedrooms with a recently refurbished kitchen which is equipped for self-catering.
Contact: enquiries@lowerdessestate.com.
Direct Dial: +44(0)1763 264249
Mill of Dess
Mill of Dess Cottage
Newtonmore
Newtonmore is a fantastic village with so much to offer visitors. Located in the heart of the Spey Valley, Newtonmore is the perfect base for walking and other outdoor pursuits.
There are many options for accommodation, eating and things to do and see for all ages in the village itself and close by in the surrounding countryside.
Coig na Shee Guest House
Coig na Shee luxury Guest House is a delightful 1903 highland lodge in the village of Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, within the spectacular setting of the Cairngorms National Park.
Here you will find a friendly welcome from owners Marion and Graeme, with stylish rooms, peace and quiet, and of course great breakfasts.
There are five bedrooms, 3 kings, a twin/double and a small double/single, all ensuite. The little details are all taken care of, crisp white bed linen, huge cosy towels, pampering toiletries, leaf and herbal teas & fresh coffee with a cafetière.
On the outskirts the village, the Coig Na Shee guest house has direct access to great locations for walking including a couple of Munro’s.
Walkers are warmly welcomed with packed lunches available on request and set evening meals available (for groups of 4+).
There is storage for bikes and ample areas outside for parking.
drumochter
Balsporran Bed and Breakfast
Balsporran cottage sits in a stunning and peaceful part of the Cairngorm National Park. Located within the Drumochter Pass, close to the river Truim, it’s the perfect place to escape, relax, explore, indulge the Drumochter mountains and experience nature at its best!
Hosts Susan and Gary Lister are lucky enough to call Balsporran their home. They provide a warm and friendly welcome to all guests, ensuring your stay is both comfortable and relaxing. They can also help you with advice on everything the local area has to offer to make your stay a memorable one.
Each of the 4 guest rooms are furnished to a high standard for visitors who appreciate quality and tranquillity with premium linens and toiletries to offer you a little bit of luxury. You will also enjoy a complimentary beverage tray and digital TV. They have a large guest-dedicated lounge with log fire where you can take in the beautiful views. In addition, they can provide secure drying facilities.
They offer the highest quality Scottish plant based Highland breakfast that sets you up for the day, lighter options are available too. Breakfast is served in the dining area which gives guests the chance to share plans and stories with the hosts and other guests. With reasonable notice a packed lunch can be provided for anyone setting off on a full day adventure.
Balsporran is located on the Perthshire / Inverness-shire border, four miles south of Dalwhinnie just 200 yards from the Sustran Cycle Route (no 7), perfectly placed for cyclists and walkers. It is approximately 2 hours north of Edinburgh. Sitting adjacent to the main railway line with its own footpath level crossing leading straight out the Munros, Balsporran is about a close as you can get to the centre of Scotland, so it's not far to
drive to Lochaber and Fort William, up to Aviemore and the Cairngorm summits, down to Pitlochry and the Perthshire hills, or the Monadhliath Mountains. They are just a 15 minute walk from Dalwhinnie railway station.
